Product Article · Level Measurement
When a facility has multiple tanks and strict uptime requirements, a simple sensor is no longer enough. SiteEasy II RS485 EXT is designed for exactly that situation – a single unit capable of continuously measuring up to 15 data points without the limitations of battery-powered operation.
The Challenge of Large Facilities
Industrial and chemical facilities often operate dozens of tanks containing different products, spread across large sites or located in hard-to-access areas. Traditional monitoring solutions require a separate device for each measurement point, quickly resulting in complex hardware installations, high deployment costs, and maintenance demands that are difficult to manage.
The impact becomes evident in daily operations: measurement data is updated too infrequently, batteries fail without warning, and operators lack a complete overview of what is actually stored across the facility. The result is increased costs through unnecessary deliveries, product losses, and emergency interventions.
One Unit. Three Parameters. Up to 15 Measurements.
SiteEasy II RS485 EXT uses RS485 communication and daisy-chain connectivity to connect up to five external sensors to a single unit. Each sensor simultaneously measures three parameters – level, product type, and temperature. This provides up to 15 individual measurement values from a single hardware device, all available in real time through SiteInfo.
- Up to 15 measurement values – five daisy-chained sensors per unit, each measuring level, product type, and temperature.
- External power supply – powered directly from the facility’s electrical system, eliminating battery limitations and enabling around-the-clock measurements.
- RS485 communication – an industry-standard protocol designed for robust, interference-resistant communication in demanding environments.
- Direct integration with SiteInfo – all measurement data is automatically collected and presented in SiteInfo, providing a unified overview regardless of the number of connected sensors.
Why External Power Makes a Difference
Battery-powered sensors are ideal for remote locations or installations with only a few measurement points. However, in facilities that operate continuously, batteries become a limitation. They restrict measurement frequency, require regular maintenance, and create vulnerabilities that can lead to blind spots in data collection.
SiteEasy II RS485 EXT eliminates these challenges. With external power, the unit can measure and report continuously without operators having to monitor battery levels or schedule maintenance shutdowns.
“One sensor is rarely enough anymore. With RS485 EXT, you get a complete overview of your facility from a single unit – and it is always connected.”
Sture Berg, International Business Developer, MCD
Field Installation
The unit is installed by MCD technicians and configured according to the specific requirements of the facility. Sensors are mounted in the respective tanks and connected in a daisy-chain configuration. In many cases, existing cabling infrastructure can be reused.
Connection to SiteInfo is established via the cellular network and requires no local servers or on-site network infrastructure.
When Is SiteEasy II RS485 EXT the Right Choice?
The product is best suited for facilities with multiple tanks and high requirements for operational continuity – where missing measurement data is not acceptable and maintenance efforts must be kept to a minimum.
Typical applications include:
- Chemical and process industries
- Fuel and lubricant storage depots
- Facilities handling multiple products that require continuous temperature monitoring
For installations with fewer measurement points, MCD offers the battery-powered SiteEasy II. For more demanding environments, SiteMonitor is available.
Compatible with Existing Measurement Systems
SiteEasy II RS485 EXT can be adapted to industrial measurement systems using MODBUS and can monitor level, volume, and temperature. This means existing infrastructure can often be retained, with the unit integrating into the systems already in place.
The device can be connected to several well-known tank gauging and measurement systems on the market, including via RS232 converters:
- Fafnir
- AssyTech
- Gilbarco
- Alisonic
- Veeder-Root
- Nivelco
Interested in Finding Out More?
Would you like to know whether SiteEasy II RS485 EXT is the right solution for your facility? We would be happy to discuss your requirements and prepare a proposal based on your specific operational needs.
Contact us to learn more.